Exploring the Central Coast Drag Scene with BJ AKA Burnt Joint!

In this episode of 'Late to the Party,' the host interviews BJ AKA Burnt Joint, a rising star in the Central Coast Drag scene. BJ discusses their journey into drag, starting just a year ago, and the unique way they balance their non-binary identity with performing as a feminine drag queen. BJ shares insights on the support from their family and friends, the influence of their creative childhood, and their current role in fostering community through drag. The episode also touches on BJ's inspirations, performances, and their upcoming participation in the 'Royalty of Pride' pageant at the New Vic Theater. BJ offers valuable advice for aspiring drag performers and emphasizes the importance of community and authenticity in the drag world.

00:00 Welcome to Late to the Party

00:28 Meet BJ AKA Burnt Joint

00:55 Sexuality and Pronouns

01:28 Exploring Gender and Drag

03:34 Childhood and Creative Beginnings

04:13 Growing Up Queer in a Conservative Area

07:20 Discovering Drag and Inspirations

09:35 First Drag Performance and Costumes

11:24 The Origin of Burnt Joint

13:06 Makeup Journey and Influences

13:52 The Drag Community in SLO

14:55 The Challenges of Being a New Queen

16:31 Favorite and Least Favorite Parts of Drag

17:50 Creating Inclusive Events

21:46 Preparing for the First Pageant

26:00 Advice for Aspiring Drag Queens

28:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'Late to the Party,' host Alex and her best friend Al dive into a candid discussion about discovering their sexuality, the challenges of biphobia, navigating straight-passing relationships, and the journey towards self-acceptance. Al shares their personal experiences of identifying as non-binary and lesbian, discussing their coming out story, their struggles with internalized homophobia, and the societal pressures of appearing 'straight.' They also talk about the impact of living in different cultural environments, such as San Francisco versus a smaller town, on their queer experience. The episode is a heartfelt exploration of queerness, identity, and the importance of community support.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:24 Guest Introduction: Al's Pronouns and Sexuality

01:43 Navigating Non-Binary and Lesbian Identities

02:14 Gay Awakenings and Early Realizations

02:52 Listener Write-Ins and Cartoon Crushes

03:22 Al's Bisexuality and Transition to Lesbian Identity

06:24 Coming Out and Family Dynamics

10:46 Living in San Francisco vs. Santa Barbara

14:49 Navigating the Dating Scene

15:41 Challenges in Male-Dominated Fields

16:54 Professional Struggles and Acceptance

17:36 Embracing Queer Identity at Work

18:55 Straight Passing and Its Implications

24:03 Understanding Non-Binary Identity

25:21 Addressing Biphobia and Queer Validation

27:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In the debut episode of the 'Late to the Party' podcast, host Alex introduces herself and shares her personal journey of self-discovery and coming to terms with her sexual identity.

She talks about her upbringing in a queer-friendly environment, her relationships, and the challenges she faced in understanding her sexuality. She also discusses her transition from identifying as pansexual to realizing she is lesbian, and the impact of her past relationships on her current happiness.

Alex emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and living an authentic life. And reminds us all it's never too late to show up.

What if you didn’t come out in high school? What if you’re still figuring it out? What if your queerness doesn’t look the way you thought it would? What if there wasn't one 'big moment' when you came out?

Welcome to Late to the Party—a podcast about queerness, becoming, and showing up to your own life, on your own timeline.

Hosted by Alex, a lesbian who came out later in life, this show features conversations with queer folks from all walks of life—artists, organizers, late bloomers, old souls, baby gays, and everyone in between. Together, we explore the stories that don’t always get told: from gay awakenings and gender journeys, to chosen family, joy, doubt, and everything in between.

If you’ve ever felt behind, unsure, or like you missed the moment—this podcast is your reminder: you’re never late. You’re right on time.